Ciao, Avanti Fort Worth: Restaurant closes after 15 months

June 23,2017

By Robert Philpot

The downtown location of Avanti Ristorante, the relatively recent Fort Worth outpost of a long-running Dallas restaurant, has closed, but it appears not to be ruling out a return elsewhere in Fort Worth.

A sign on the door says that the restaurant was closed effective Thursday. But it adds, “Fort Worth has been our friend and partner and we look forward to exploring new location opportunites in the future.”

Avanti, which opened in March 2016, was the first restaurant to open in the City Place development between Throckmorton and Taylor Streets. The complex now also includes Wild Salsa and Chop House Burger, both of which are owned by Dallas-based DRG Concepts. Avanti is not related to either restaurant.

A Hooters is also planned for City Place, although it has met with resistance. Its location would have been next door Avanti.

At the time Avanti opened, it was one of three Italian-themed restaurants within a short walk from one another. Coincidentally, pizza-and-pasta spot Vivo 53 closed almost exactly a year ago. Its former space in The Tower is now occupied by Mercury Chop House.

Taverna, which was less than two blocks away from Avanti, is now the last one standing. It has been at 450 Throckmorton St. for more than a decade. Like Avanti, Taverna originated in Dallas, but it has grown to have locations in Austin, Houston, Atlanta, Laguna Beach and Akumal, Mexico.

Avanti was known for its attractive patio and traditional Italian food. The Dallas location, which remains open at 2720 McKinney Ave., has been open more than 20 years. The Fort Worth location has already been removed from the Avanti website, and the phone has been disconnected.

We are seeking additional comment. Will update if we get it.